Many holidays are steeped in tradition, and Christmas is no exception.
Branson Globe readers shared with us their favorite Christmas traditions that make their holiday so special.
"We get together Christmas Eve, have finger foods, everyone has a stocking and we all put stuff in them," explained Donna. "We open stocking stuffers, and then watch Christmas movies. It's always a good time."
Carri shared, "We spend Christmas morning in our pajamas, enjoying the homemade cinnamon rolls and other snacks, and opening presents, one present at a time, telling stories and laughing and remembering good times. The goal is to enjoy the time we have together."
Said Tony, "We make sure to go out Christmas Eve night, before bed, and drive around and look at holiday lights as a family, and come home and sleep so Santa can come."
Annette noted, "As a kid, my sisters and I would help mom bake all the desserts the day before and break up bread for the dressing that went in the turkey. We cut up the finger foods (celery, carrots and tomatoes), too."
Said Chastity, "I have always enjoyed the Adoration Parade. We used to park at my great grandparents’ house up by the library and walk downtown to catch the parade. The floats would throw candy and it used to be saltwater taffy. We would come home with bags of that stuff. The taste was amazing."
Catherine and her family traditionally attended Christmas Eve services at church.
"Once we had a sign on the front door after Christmas Eve service at church, saying Santa could not come," Catherine recalled. There were snowy footprints on the floor and presents, but we almost believed Santa did not come!"
Said Lisa, "As a kid, we would drive around looking at Christmas lights."
Kristi shared, "Making a great meal for Christmas Eve, followed by Midnight Mass as a family, for the ones that could stay awake. Checking out Santa gifts in the early morning, with homemade cinnamon rolls, followed by family gifts and presents, and a great meal for late lunch!"
Patricia noted, "I come from a very large family of 13 children and Mom and Dad. We would go to our grandparents’ house and see cousins and aunts and uncles. So much good food. The gifts would be stacked from floor to ceiling under the tree. They had a huge, beautiful house, and we would do the limbo and hula hoop. Santa would show up and hand out gifts, and we would listen to Christmas music and listen to the elders tell stories, then go to midnight Mass. It was so special every year!"
Louise always watches “Christmas Vacation” with her family, while Carrie Anne watches either “White Christmas” or “It's a Wonderful Life” with her mother.
"My family opened gifts on Christmas Eve and stockings on Christmas morning," noted Mary Anne. "Stockings were a big deal but always included a new toothbrush and toothpaste. Always gave my brothers and Dad a box of handkerchiefs!"
Bev shared, "We have Christmas, then go see a movie."
"Christmas Eve gift," said Valerie. "Every year, the first person to yell Christmas Eve gift got to open one present. As we grew up, we would call each other and answer the phone yelling it! Now my kids put it on Facebook at midnight, just to be the first. My mom and dad are gone now, but what I wouldn't give to hear them say that just one more time!"
Jessica shared her favorite traditions, "Maybe either Dirty Santa with the family or that we do the pinata for the kids for Jesus' birthday."
Lisa enjoys reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas” on Christmas Eve, with my kids sitting beside me."
Terre enjoys "Gathering with friends and family.”
Heather remembers, "On Christmas Eve, going and seeing the Christmas lights and opening one present. On Christmas Day, seeing all the delicious food and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus before we cut the cake. Just being with my family is the greatest gift I could receive."
Cindy shared how her traditions have evolved over the years, noting, "On Christmas Eve, before bed, we'd dim the lights, leaving only the white-lighted Christmas tree twinkling, and Scott would read “The Christmas Story” aloud by flashlight, while the girls and I listened in the stillness. Now that they are all grown up, their coming to visit is the thing I look forward to the most. But I still do sit up on Christmas Eve to read “The Christmas Story” and watch the tree lights. And, it's still beautiful!"
Whether your favorite tradition is one that you have carried with you since childhood, or has changed and evolved through the years as your family has changed, our hope is that you find comfort and joy in your traditions.
Merry Christmas, all!
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